The retail distribution review (RDR) could spark a huge firesale in the independent financial adviser (IFA) market, as costs rise and scale becomes important, forcing some smaller firms out of business.

The Conservative MP John Redwood has labelled Alistair Darling’s estimation that the Conservatives are proposing £21bn of tax reductions as “crass”, while industry analysts believe the Tories will not adopt a policy to scrap inheritance tax (IHT).

While market commentators broadly concur that the worst of the volatility is behind us and this summer’s turbulence is nothing like that witnessed in 1987 with the Dow Jones Index, experts warn that all the casualties are not yet visible.

• Abbey Financial Markets has signalled its interest in moving into the variable annuities market. Martin Collins from the life and pensions solutions department at the firm exclusively told HNW it may look to partner with an insurance company to provide the products.

Green investors could be cashing in as new research shows that ethical funds are storming ahead of conventional funds and the FTSE 100 Index.

The jury is out over whether annuities are still being viewed as poor value and whether income drawdown is now seen as the most desirable choice for pension pots.

Investors will soon be able to get their hands on international infrastructure when First State Investments launches its latest product.

The proposals contained in the Financial Services Authority’s recent retail distribution review (RDR) to establish professional financial planners at the pinnacle of the financial advice spectrum, has presented a clear opportunity for our profession to at last achieve the recognition it deserves.

Prudential has launched a unit-linked bond wrapper that introduces a factory-gate priced remuneration model to the firm’s investment portfolio for the first time.

Small self-administered scheme (SSAS) holders could be stung by tax charges of up to 70% on unpaid rent on properties held within the scheme, Rowanmoor Pensions has warned.

It is rare for a tax case to be covered across the national media, but this recently happened in the case of Jones vs Garnett, or Arctic Systems as it is more widely known.

Assistant Editor Ruth Emery

Recent poor performance in the corporate bond sector and forecast volatility have contributed to an increase in investments in cash, but these favourable conditions may only be temporary

REVIEWER: Dhan Sharma
Managing Director of Sundridge Consulting

REVIEWER: Ian Hudson
principal, hudson green & associates

REVIEWER: Anna Sofat
director, ajs wealth management

Wrap platforms are entering a new phase of development, with a need for committed advisers and solid systems in place. But will the FSA’s review create yet more barriers to its ongoing success, asks Pádraig Floyd

With the wrap platform no longer the new product on the block, what does the future hold for the market in the face of greater regulation?

The retail distribution review has seen the FSA focus on current business models and consumers’ ability to access financial services, and the future for advisory firms rests on incorporating platforms into their structures, argues Jackie Ison

As the wrap-based platform gains ground in the UK, clients, providers and advisers could all benefit from its holistic approach, if they are willing to commit to a long-term business model, says Abigail Morrison

Graham Barber reviews discounted schemes and their merits following HMRC’s recent guidelines, and asks whether their popularity will suffer as a result

There is a huge demand for funds whose socially responsible practices match the growing trend for ethical awareness, but is there a large enough supply for investors, asks Craig Jeruzal

Real estate continues to be a lucrative investment option both in the UK and globally. And with so much activity in emerging markets, knowing where to invest is paramount in order to take full advantage of the real estate market, writes Jeremy Gates

Alan Smith gives Owen Walker an insight into a day in the life of a managing director of a firm of independent financial advisers, in which he juggles generating new business with looking after their existing clients

• AWD has added Robert Organ to its body of chartered accountants. He will take on the role of finance director for the UK business, having spent the past six years working as regional director at AMP in Australia.

Credit Suisse has made a raft of appointments in an attempt to counter the recent exodus of high profile employees.

Partnership has succeeded in securing the appointment of Bradford & Bingley product development manager Roger Hillier.

Robert Reid has been named president of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), following the departure of Carole Nicholls.